Asthma is a common condition that affects the airways, causing them to become inflamed and narrowed. Typical symptoms include wheezing, breathlessness, a tight chest and coughing, which can be triggered by things like cold air, exercise, allergens, smoke or respiratory infections.
Most people with asthma manage it well with a combination of a reliever inhaler for symptoms and, if needed, a daily preventer inhaler prescribed by a doctor. It's important to know your own triggers and have an up-to-date action plan agreed with your GP or asthma nurse, and to seek urgent medical help if an attack doesn't respond to your usual reliever inhaler.
See also our pages on hay fever and allergies, both common asthma triggers.
Common questions
What are the typical symptoms of asthma?
Wheezing, breathlessness, a tight chest and coughing, often triggered by cold air, exercise, allergens, smoke or respiratory infections.
What should I do if a reliever inhaler does not help during an attack?
Seek urgent medical help if an asthma attack does not respond to your usual reliever inhaler.